Taking on new maintenance projects is always a bit scary, especially with those asp.net projects where the code is compiled and can’t be completely seen beforehand (though it’s sometimes possible to get an idea using Reflector).

It’s a little more worrying when the existing developer says to the client:

[The code] is completely as-is, with no warranty whatsoever and no suggestion that it is fit or otherwise for any particular purpose, and a hold-blameless clause in all eventualities.

Nice. This seems like one of those cases where the developer has lost interest in the project, doesn’t particularly need the work anymore, and wants to get rid of it without accepting any liability for the work done.

On the upside, at least the project is relatively small…